DALLAS — Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen faces an extended absence after suffering a lower-body injury during Olympic play that will keep him off the ice for a minimum of two weeks.
Head coach Glen Gulutzan announced Tuesday that while the team’s top scorer should return before the regular season concludes, his recovery timeline extends well beyond a few games.
“It won’t be one or two games. It’ll be, let’s start in two weeks, and then see where it goes from there,” Gulutzan explained. “So he’ll be out for some time.”
The coach declined to provide specific details about Rantanen’s injury, which occurred during Finland’s Olympic semifinal matchup. The forward was unable to participate in Finland’s bronze medal victory over Slovakia due to the injury.
Following consultation with team medical staff, the Stars officially placed Rantanen on injured reserve Monday.
“It was kind of what I was expecting just from hearing what had gone on over at the Olympics,” Gulutzan commented following Tuesday’s practice session. “Not the best news, but the stuff you’ve got to deal with.”
Dallas faces Seattle at home Wednesday evening, followed by a Saturday matchup against Nashville. The team has 25 remaining regular season contests through April 15.
The injured forward is playing his first season under a massive $96 million, eight-year contract extension signed after his trade to Dallas at last season’s deadline. This year, he has accumulated 69 points through 20 goals and 49 assists.
The injury occurred during Finland’s 3-2 semifinal defeat to Canada on Friday evening.
Rantanen was among six Stars players who earned Olympic medals in Italy.
Goaltender Jake Oettinger served as backup for Team USA’s gold medal-winning squad, which defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime. That victory meant silver for Stars defenseman Thomas Harley, who played for Canada. Four Dallas teammates joined Rantanen on Finland’s bronze medal team: Roope Hintz, Esa Lindell, and Miro Heiskanen.
While Oettinger may participate in Wednesday’s morning skate, Gulutzan confirmed the goalie will not start against Seattle.
